Out of the stream of new Apple product releases expected over the coming months, a smaller 7-8 inch iPad mini is one that has really gone from a mere hope, to a product we are almost certain we will see make its debut before the end of 2012.

Although it may not of been a few years ago, with the tablet computer scene taking off as quickly as it has we think a smaller iPad is a brilliant idea, and a definite must from Apple. To show why we have compiled what we see as the 5 most compelling reasons as to why an iPad Mini has to be on the cards for Apple.

1. A lower price tag
The main reason people don’t purchase an iPad is that because it is a new product and essentially does what every other computer does, people arn’t willing to dig into their pockets for at least £400 to try one out. An iPad mini would be priced significantly cheaper, maybe around the £250 mark meaning it would be a lot more attractive to the first time buyer, thinking of testing an iPad out. Further more it would compete with cheaper competitors such as the Kindle Fire.

2. It would be better for children
Children love to play on an iPad, and increasingly Apple are promoting the iPads application in education for young people with things such as iTunes U and promoting discounts so schools can have whole stands full of iPads for a class. The current iPad is too large and heavy for children to easily hold and use, and a smaller 7.85 inch iPad would be perfect for this.

3. It’s a proven market, utilise it!
Steve Jobs was notoriously against any tablet smaller than the iPad, he said its basically like ‘filing down your fingers’, everything will be the same but less user friendly. Despite this it’s impossible to ignore the simple fact that the market for a smaller tablet is there. Since the launch of the iPad various manufacturers have been coming out with models under 10 inches in size and the fact is they are selling. An Apple branded smaller tablet could take over and dominate this market completely, just like the current iPad does. The smaller sized kindle fire is already selling in big quantities, and the new 5.3 inch Samsung Galaxy Note sold some 5 million units last month alone.

4. Will fit in with new work scenarios
The iPad has made itself right at home in so many work places. For a device that’s only been available for 3 years many business’ fully rely on iPads for their day to day running and communication, with specially designed apps just for their industry. But there are so many industries where a large iPad is just not practical. What about waitresses? Workers on the shop floor at department stores? With the size of the current iPad it’s not really usable in situations such as these, but a smaller iPad? Perfect.

5. For some users, the iPad is just too big & heavy
At 652 grams the iPad is no lightweight for a tablet. Due to all the extra battery juice needed as well the new iPad is actually heavier than its predecessor. Sure this is no problem for a lot of things that you use your iPad for, but for prolonged reading and a lot of traveling it can be a bit weighty. This is no problem for most users who only use their iPad in this way sometimes, but for those who are using their iPad predominantly as an eBook reader and for browsing on the move, it can be a pain. A smaller iPad would be far more suited for the job on hand, and could make the tablet a fully fledged eBook reader in its own right and be far more suited to these types of iPad users.

The current predictions on the iPad mini release date are that it will make its debut alongside the new iPhone in September.

What do you guys think? A must for Apple or an unneeded alternative? Let us know in the comments below.